Last Saturday at Highbrook Park in Muswellbrook, on a blustery, pelting and ugly day, the Muswellbrook Heelers Rugby Union B Grade side were drawn to play Medowie. Painted on the field in bold white letters for all to see was simply "KANE #3". In fact, Tim Kane was a player for the Muswellbrook team who had died during the week. As both teams filed out onto the pitch in those terrible conditions, the big Muswellbrook No.4 reached down and lovingly ran his hand up the 'A' of Kane's name.

After the toss, the captain of the Muswellbrook team requested a minute's silence, in honour of their fallen teammate. All bowed their heads, and not a single soul stirred. The same big No.4, caught up with emotion, walked a few paces away, and howled. No one else at the ground stirred as Tim was remembered.

The Muswellbrook team played a notably passionate encounter and finished victorious, with none playing better than No.4, who was outstanding from first to last. It was only after the game that the visitors discovered that big man who had wept so heart-wrenchingly during the minute's silence had lost more than a teammate, but also a son. His man of the match performance had done his son's memory proud.


from the Fitz files....rest here....